Rinjani Women Adventure: Empowering Women and Communities Through Tourism
Rinjani Women Adventure is a community-based tourism initiative in Senaru Village, Lombok, Indonesia, that empowers women by providing training and employment as professional trekking guides. The organization was founded by Sukatni, also known as Katni, who became the first female trekking guide on Mount Rinjani, breaking gender barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Katni was born into a family that deeply values local wisdom and cultural preservation. Her father was an Indigenous Stakeholder Wetu Telu Senaru Bayan, and she was raised with a strong appreciation for the environment and her community. Initially, Katni was a housewife relying on her husband’s income. However, she transformed her life by becoming a trekking guide and organizer, paving the way for other women to pursue the same path.
Her deep love for Mount Rinjani and its surrounding communities inspired her to create a guiding service specifically designed for women. She recognized the negative environmental impact caused by mass trekking and initiated the “Keep Rinjani Green and Clean” program, encouraging trekkers to minimize waste and preserve the mountain’s natural beauty.
Beyond trekking, Rinjani Women Adventure is a social support system for its members. The organization assists women in financial distress, providing basic food supplies, childbirth support, and emergency aid to those in need. Katni is deeply concerned about the marginalization of women in her village and actively works to create opportunities for them to gain economic independence. Through her efforts, she hopes to inspire other women in Senaru to pursue their own paths and challenge societal expectations.
To further support the community, Rinjani Women Adventure offers cultural tourism experiences, including traditional weaving, visits to indigenous forests, culinary tours, paddy field walks, and introductions to ancient mosques and villages. These activities not only enhance travelers’ experiences but also provide additional income streams for local families.
Katni’s dedication to empowering women and promoting responsible tourism has been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards from government and non-government organizations, including recognition from Trans 7 TV (She Can You Can) and Net 12 TV (Kecintaan Katni Kepada Rinjani). She also participated in an international workshop on sustainable tourism development in 2007 and earned a counseling certificate as part of the Sadar Wisata and Sadar Budaya 2013 program.
Her message is clear: “I can, and it’s time for women to do so!”
By choosing Rinjani Women Adventure, travelers directly support women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that tourism benefits the local community while providing an unforgettable experience on Mount Rinjani.